PHARMACY FIRST

 Maggie welcomes the launch of the Government’s Pharmacy First 

Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Pharmacy First approach, helping patients across Erewash to receive care more quickly through better use of our community pharmacies. 196 pharmacies in the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have signed up to Pharmacy First so far, which enables pharmacists to utilise more of their medical skills and training. This will mean that patients across Erewash can receive treatment for seven common health conditions from their local pharmacy without the need to visit a GP or have a prescription.  

 Their pharmacist will be able to help with conditions include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in young women. Following the assessment, the pharmacist can then supply the prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, to treat the problem. 

Maggie said: “I am delighted that the Government has launched Pharmacy First, using the skills of our pharmacists to treat more people in the community without the need for a GP appointment – speeding up treatment for minor illnesses as well as reducing pressure on local GP services. This is good news for patients and for the NHS. It will free up millions of GP appointments per year and mean that patients can get quick and effective treatment from their local pharmacy. At least 196 pharmacies have signed up to Pharmacy First across the Derby and Derbyshire ICB ensuring that the local people can access care. While Labour are busy playing politics with the nation’s health, it is the Conservative Government that is committed to supporting the NHS and making sure that patients receive the care they need quickly and easily.” 

The new Pharmacy First approach will not only speed up access to essential care for patients, but also help to reduce pressure on local GP services by directing people to more appropriate places to be treated. Backed by up to £645 million, 95 per cent of pharmacies across England have opted-in so far, meaning that patients will be able to receive care more quickly without the need to wait for a GP appointment. The Pharmacy First approach builds on the other measures outlined in the Primary Care Recovery Plan last spring, including tackling the 8am rush by giving GPs new digital tools and providing more GP staff and more appointments. 

FLOOD DROP IN

 Residents and businesses affected by flooding in Erewash invited to public drop-in events 

Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash is urging residents and businesses who were affected by flooding during Storm Babet to attend a series of public drop-in events being held in January and February across Erewash.  

The events will be an opportunity for communities to discuss their concerns and get more information about grants and supports available for property flood resilience measures. Residents will also be able to speak directly with Environment Agency and Derbyshire County Council officials to find out what work is being undertaken to help reduce flooding in their area.  

For residents in Ilkeston and surrounding areas a drop-in event will be held on Tuesday 30 January, 2pm to 7pm at Ilkeston Town Football Club, New Manor Ground, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8JF.  

For communities in Breaston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre and surrounding areas a drop-in event will be held on Friday 16 February, 2pm-7pm at Sawley Memorial Hall & Community Centre, Draycott Road, NG10 3FR. 

Maggie said: “Hundreds of residents and businesses across Erewash have been impacted by flooding this winter. I know how hard the last few months have been for these communities and I have been working tirelessly to support them in any way possible. I am urging affected residents and businesses to attend one of the flooding events being hosted by the Environment Agency and the County Council over the coming weeks. These public drop-in sessions will provide an opportunity for local people to come along and speak to the relevant agencies about their experience and find out more about the support available, such as the Property Resilience Repair Grant Scheme for property-owners affected by flooding during Storm Babet.” 

Storm Babet in October brought record levels of rainfall to Erewash, and the River Erewash reached record levels. 

EREWASH FLOODING

Residents and businesses affected by flooding in Erewash invited to public drop-in events. Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash is urging residents and businesses who were affected by flooding during Storm Babet to attend a series of public drop-in events being held in January and February across Erewash. The events will be an opportunity for communities to discuss their concerns and get more information about grants and supports available for property flood resilience measures. Residents will also be able to speak directly with Environment Agency and Derbyshire County Council officials to find out what work is being undertaken to help reduce flooding in their area. For residents in Ilkeston and surrounding areas a drop-in event will be held on Tuesday 30th January, 2pm to 7pm at Ilkeston Town Football Club, New Manor Ground, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8JF. 

For communities in Breaston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre and surrounding areas a drop-in event will be held on Friday 16 February, 2pm-7pm at Sawley Memorial Hall & Community Centre, Draycott Road, NG10 3FR. 

Maggie said: “Hundreds of residents and businesses across Erewash have been impacted by flooding this winter. I know how hard the last few months have been for these communities and I have been working tirelessly to support them in any way possible. I am urging affected residents and businesses to attend one of the flooding events being hosted by the Environment Agency and the County Council over the coming weeks. These public drop-in sessions will provide an opportunity for local people to come along and speak to the relevant agencies about their experience and find out more about the support available, such as the Property Resilience Repair Grant Scheme for property-owners affected by flooding during Storm Babet.” 

Storm Babet in October brought record levels of rainfall to Erewash, and the River Erewash reached record levels. 

MEASLES JAB

 Maggie urges families to catch up with measles jab 

Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash has urged parents to make sure their child is up to date with their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination, amid rising cases of measles in England. Following a rapid rise in cases of measles in England since October, the UK Health Security Agency has now declared a national incident and has warned that outbreaks of measles will spread to other towns and cities unless action is taken to increase vaccination uptake. 

Maggie commented:  “With the rise of measles cases in England, I am urging Erewash parents to check their child’s MMR vaccination records ensuring they are up to date. Children who get measles can become very ill and some will suffer life-changing complications. The best way for parents to protect their children from measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give lifelong protection and it’s never too late to catch up. After clean water, vaccinations are the most impactful public health intervention we have and without doubt they save lives. Please check your family’s records and get vaccinated if necessary, whatever your age.” 

MMR is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme – with one dose offered at one year and another second dose at 3 years 4 months. Parents whose infants missed out, or anyone of any age who has not yet had a vaccine, are urged to come forward and contact their GP for an appointment. The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. 

Over 99 per cent of those who have two doses of the MMR vaccine will be protected against measles and rubella. The vaccine also provides protection against mumps.  

MOTORBIKE STOLEN

 Police are appealing for witnesses to a motorbike theft which occurred on 04/01/2024 between 16:14 and 16:37. The Theft occurred from the Car Park on Claye Street, Long Eaton with the suspects seen making off onto the pedestrianised High Street. The stolen bike was a HONDA ANC 125 in RED. Initial enquiries and CCTV trawl have been undertaken and the investigation is ongoing. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone suspicious in the area around the time of the incident that has not already come forward. They would also request anyone that may have additional CCTV images in the area to please get in touch. If you have any information which could help please contact police  on the non-emergency number 101 quoting ref 24*7732 or you can contact via: 

 Website - We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://orlo.uk/6Rq9o 
 
 Facebook - Send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page 
 
 Twitter - Direct message our contact centre via @DerPOLContact 
 
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.